Here’s a quote from the CEO of Wesabe, on a difference between Wesabe and Mint:

“I was focused on trying to make the usability of editing data as easy and functional as it could be; Mint was focused on making it so you never had to do that at all.”

The entire post (it’s short) is worth reading, but since I’ve read this line I can’t get it out of my mind.

How do YOU make your product/service (or yourself, if you are in job search mode) so simple and easy? Wesabe was going towards simple and easy at the same time that Mint was redefining it. And they redefined it to the tune of an acquisition of about $170M.

I remember watching this with my wife… it was an exhillerating run watching John breeze through the questions… and he was the first I remember seeing get to the final question on the show.

Then, he uses the lifeline to call his dad… and the conversation he had still gives me goosebumps – especially minute 1:48 (and moist eyes). You can’t watch below… but if you push play you can click to watch on Youtube.

There are a lot of things that are right with this video… from the dreams and passions of young Caine to his father creating and fostering that environment to Nirvan being the first customer to the climax, where he coordinates the flash mob.

I am working on 101 Alternatives to a Real Job and including another suggestion from my cousin Jordan. Jordan is more entrepreneurial than I am. He’s made money in a bunch of different ways, and while writing about him today the phrase came to mind:

I reviewed Seth Godin’s The Dip book a while back. One of the major messages is that if you are going down the wrong path, stop, turn around, and do something else.

I agree with what Seth says… don’t keep doing bad stuff.

The art of doing that right might be recognizing when you really are on a bad path.

Bad != hard

I think too many people are on a very hard, long and seemingly torterous path, and they don’t get the results they think they should get, and they say “I’m must be on a dead-end, bad path,” and they quit.

Right before they could have been successful.

Pinterest is the lucky (luck = when opportunity meets preparation?) overnight sensation (overnight = they started years ago, and drudged along for a long time before they were an overnight sensation).

Did you know I’m writing a book titled 101 Alternatives to a Real Job? One of the alternatives seems really easy and fun, and has potential to make good money. And, I can involve my kids!

Yesterday I went on a 1.5 mile walk and all but one house needed this service. It was a nice day (even though today I’m looking at snow outside!!), and I was convinced I was ready to try this out. Who knows, maybe I’ll try it out as long as it’s nice – through October.

This morning I bought a kit to start a business spraying numbers on curbs.

I didn’t check with the city yet… but I’m pretty sure it will be okay. I might have to get a license to solicit door-to-door. I also have no idea how the competition is… maybe this is a saturated market. I’ll never find out, though, until I get out and knock on doors. I’m sure I’ll recoup my $200 investment (I haven’t bought the paint yet, which should be about $50).

The kit I bought (the biggest: Master Kit) from Express Your Address. It includes a ton of stuff (except the paint):

I got a 10% discount because of a current special they have, plus free shipping (since it was over $50):

From what I read, I should be able to make that up in a day, easily.

Now, the fun part. I’ve recruited my two oldest kids (11 and 14), and I’m sure the 8 year old will beg to go with us… My goal is to see if, together, we can have a $500/day. They say we should be able to clear $300. I’m not sure how many hours that is.

This weekend I’ll try and pick up the paint (I’ve gotten instructions on which paint to get, which colors, and the estimated price). And then we’ll start knocking on doors.